Blood sample showed illegal and prescription drugs in system

An analysis of a blood sample from a 27-year-old man showed it contained illegal and prescription drugs, Craigavon Magistrates Court heard last Wednesday.

Christopher Anthony Hughes, Dingwell Park, Lurgan, was banned for three years for driving while unfit on June 23 last year.

He was sentenced to four months in custody, suspended for two years.

The court heard that when police stopped the defendant while he was driving in Edward Street, Lurgan, they noticed his speech was slurred and he was very drowsy.

A blood sample was taken and an analysis revealed it contained illegal and prescription drugs including Diazepam, Tramadol and cannabis.

Hughes was also charged with driving while disqualified but that had been dealt with at another court.

Mr Conor Downey, defending, asked the court to leave something hanging over his head. Hughes was now in a stable relationship and his girlfriend has been invaluable assistance to him. There was a marked turnaround in his behaviour.